A new movie about a Spanish man's quest to meet John Lennon has been selected as Spain's official entry for next year's (15) Best Foreign Film Oscar. Director David Trueba's Vivir es Facil con los Ojos Cerrados (Living Is Easy With Eyes Closed) chronicles an English-language teacher's obsession with the late Beatles star.
The movie's title is a lyric from the Fab Four's Strawberry Fields Forever, which Lennon began writing in Almeria, Spain.
The Trueba family isn't new to Oscars glory - David's brother Fernando won gold in the Best Foreign Film category in 1994 for Belle Epoque.
Vivir es Facil con los Ojos Cerrados faces stiff opposition for a nomination in January (15) - Venezuela's Simon Bolivar biopic El Libertador - the most expensive film made in the nation - and Croatia's Cowboys, which won the Audience Award at the country's recent Pula Film Festival, are among the early favourites, alongside Mexico's Cantinflas and Turkey's Winter Sleep.

Lions Gate via Everett Collection
When we last left our heroes, they had conquered all opponents in the 74th Annual Hunger Games, returned home to their newly refurbished living quarters in District 12, and fallen haplessly to the cannibalism of PTSD. And now we're back! Hitching our wagons once again to laconic Katniss Everdeen and her sweet-natured, just-for-the-camera boyfriend Peeta Mellark as they gear up for a second go at the Capitol's killing fields.
But hold your horses — there's a good hour and a half before we step back into the arena. However, the time spent with Katniss and Peeta before the announcement that they'll be competing again for the ceremonial Quarter Quell does not drag. In fact, it's got some of the film franchise's most interesting commentary about celebrity, reality television, and the media so far, well outweighing the merit of The Hunger Games' satire on the subject matter by having Katniss struggle with her responsibilities as Panem's idol. Does she abide by the command of status quo, delighting in the public's applause for her and keeping them complacently saturated with her smiles and curtsies? Or does Katniss hold three fingers high in opposition to the machine into which she has been thrown? It's a quarrel that the real Jennifer Lawrence would handle with a castigation of the media and a joke about sandwiches, or something... but her stakes are, admittedly, much lower. Harvey Weinstein isn't threatening to kill her secret boyfriend.
Through this chapter, Katniss also grapples with a more personal warfare: her devotion to Gale (despite her inability to commit to the idea of love) and her family, her complicated, moralistic affection for Peeta, her remorse over losing Rue, and her agonizing desire to flee the eye of the public and the Capitol. Oftentimes, Katniss' depression and guilty conscience transcends the bounds of sappy. Her soap opera scenes with a soot-covered Gale really push the limits, saved if only by the undeniable grace and charisma of star Lawrence at every step along the way of this film. So it's sappy, but never too sappy.
In fact, Catching Fire is a masterpiece of pushing limits as far as they'll extend before the point of diminishing returns. Director Francis Lawrence maintains an ambiance that lends to emotional investment but never imposes too much realism as to drip into territories of grit. All of Catching Fire lives in a dreamlike state, a stark contrast to Hunger Games' guttural, grimacing quality that robbed it of the life force Suzanne Collins pumped into her first novel.
Once we get to the thunderdome, our engines are effectively revved for the "fun part." Katniss, Peeta, and their array of allies and enemies traverse a nightmare course that seems perfectly suited for a videogame spin-off. At this point, we've spent just enough time with the secondary characters to grow a bit fond of them — deliberately obnoxious Finnick, jarringly provocative Johanna, offbeat geeks Beedee and Wiress — but not quite enough to dissolve the mystery surrounding any of them or their true intentions (which become more and more enigmatic as the film progresses). We only need adhere to Katniss and Peeta once tossed in the pit of doom that is the 75th Hunger Games arena, but finding real characters in the other tributes makes for a far more fun round of extreme manhunt.
But Catching Fire doesn't vie for anything particularly grand. It entertains and engages, having fun with and anchoring weight to its characters and circumstances, but stays within the expected confines of what a Hunger Games movie can be. It's a good one, but without shooting for succinctly interesting or surprising work with Katniss and her relationships or taking a stab at anything but the obvious in terms of sending up the militant tyrannical autocracy, it never even closes in on the possibility of being a great one.
3.5/5
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Sting and Paul Simon are set to embark on a North American tour together in 2014. The rockers will kick-off Paul Simon & Sting: On Stage Together in February.
Announcing the joint tour, Sting tells The New York Times, "Paul and I both share this abiding curiosity about music and where it's going.
"We don't really know where this (tour) is going. We don't really have a clue how this is going to pan out."
In June (13), Simon surprised fans at Sting's concert in Atlantic City, New Jersey, when he joined the former The Police frontman onstage for renditions of Fields of Gold and Simon & Garfunkel's The Boxer.

No matter how many jobs you're working, children you're raising, relationships you're juggling, or nations to which you're feigning allegiance in a grand effort to undermine the global economy, there's always time to add a new television show to your roster. Or, say, 30. Luckily for all the workaholics, doting parents, love-seekers, and double agents out there, E! has got a brand new slate of programs and specials on the way to distract you from your doubtlessly failing life expeditions.
Among the notable entries among E!'s six upcoming series, 10 upcoming specials, and 17 projects in developmental stages are a reality show about the band members of The Wanted, an in-depth look at the life of 50 Cent, and an expedition led by multihyphenate Nick Cannon to give his grandparents a home makeover.
Check out E!'s complete list of new and developing shows and specials below:
NEW SERIES
The Wanted Life — Sunday, June 2 at 10:30 PM ET/PT (moves to regular timeslot starting Sunday, June 9 at 10:00 PM ET/PT)This new half-hour series will chronicle the personal and professional lives of the edgy pop music powerhouse, The Wanted, who has already taken the world by storm. Viewers will see an unfiltered look inside the world of the chart-topping UK pop band as they head to sunny California to record their third album, gear up for their new US &amp; Europe tour later in 2013 and solidify their top ranking on American pop music charts, along with their surprising dynamics and interpersonal relationships. Produced by Ryan Seacrest Productions, Scooter Braun Projects and Global Talent TV.
Total Divas — Sunday, July 28 at 10:00 PM ET/PTRevealing the real women behind the WWE Divas for the first time, this new one-hour series proves that the drama is even bigger when the sexy superstars step outside the ring. “Total Divas” goes inside the personal lives of these glitzy, glamorous celebrities who entertain sold-out crowds in arenas around the world and are adored by millions of fans. “Total Divas” is produced by WWE and Bunim-Murray Productions. Jon Murray, Gil Goldshein, Jeff Jenkins and Russell Jay are Executive Producers for Bunim-Murray Productions.
Pop Innovators — July 2013This new series showcases the most influential names in pop culture in their own words. We love them for what they bring to our world, and how they have helped define pop culture and captured the collective zeitgeist. These are the people who, as leaders in their respective fields, have taken their fame and gone in new directions to become influencers across a wide range of topics, and who inspire others to do the same. The first episode of “Pop Innovators” will offer an in-depth look at the life and career of Will.i.am from his point of view and will also feature interviews with other celebrities that he’s influenced most.
Love and Other Contact Sports: Eric and Jessie — Late summer 2013From Khloé &amp; Lamar to Kendra &amp; Hank, E! has followed the romantic celebrity relationships of popular athletes and their gorgeous companions for years. The new Love and Other Contact Sports franchise will take viewers inside the confines of even more celebrity/athlete romances starting with country/pop singer Jessie James and her fiancé, Denver Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker whose wedding is quickly approaching. The series will chronicle the sexy young couple’s road to the altar as they juggle careers, relationships, family and more. Currently residing in their Denver dream home, they share an ambition to succeed, a charmingly fun and unfiltered outlook on life, and most of all, a red hot attraction for each other. Produced by Shed Media U.S.
Hello Ross (working title) — Fall 2013As the ultimate pop culture fan forum, this new interactive talk show is hosted by the super fan himself, Ross Mathews. Fans will have the unique opportunity to share their opinion on all the latest in pop culture, debate the most buzzworthy topics and come face to face with their favorite celebrities. From Borderline Amazing Productions.
The Trend — Fall 2013This news series will feature a team of experts and celebrity contributors discussing all things fashion, beauty and design.
NEW SPECIALS
Blinging Up Baby — Thursday, May 2 at 10:00 PM ET/PTThere is nothing more buzzworthy in Hollywood these days than celeb parents and their star tots who fill the pages of weekly magazines. In this one-hour special hosted by Melissa Rycroft, E! explores how the stars are heralding stork visits, from preparing luxurious nurseries, to exotic and ultra-pricey “babymoons,” to dazzling “push presents,” outrageous celebrity baby and toddler gifts, and more. If it is hot in the world of celebrity mommyhood, you’ll find out about it here. From Comcast Entertainment Studios.
Nick Cannon’s Big Surprise — Thursday, May 9 at 10:00 PM ET/PTSexy actor, singer and TV personality Nick Cannon has a big surprise. Grateful to his grandparents who helped raise him, Cannon shows his appreciation with a surprise home makeover. Through the process, the star will share childhood memories, photos and videos as the audience gets an intimate look back at his life. But will his highly opinionated grandmother, actually like what he does with her place? There’s only one way to find out. Produced by Entertainment One.
Holly Has A Baby — May 12 at 9:00 PM ET/PTHolly Madison just took on the biggest role of her life when she became a mommy to a baby girl she named Rainbow Aurora Rotella. In this one-hour Mother’s Day special, viewers will follow Holly to the hospital for the big event, and share in all she did to prepare for her new arrival with boyfriend Pasquale Rotella. Then, we’re invited home with the trio as they share with us exactly what the future holds for Holly and her new family, including the possibility of wedding bells. From Comcast Entertainment Studios.
The Untold Story: Jason Derulo — Tuesday, May 14 at 10:00 PM ET/PTSimon Cowell said he would be huge, Lady Gaga said he’s “a freakin’ superstar,” and Jordin Sparks calls him, boyfriend. He was well on his way to the top when an injury sidelined his career, and could have nearly ended his life. This half-hour special is a turbulent ride with Derulo as he battles his way back from injury. With never-before-seen footage and exclusive behind-the-scenes access, we’ll uncover the real man behind the persona of music royalty’s newest member. From Comcast Entertainment Studios.
Ryan Seacrest with The Wanted: An E! Special — Monday, May 27 at 10:30 PM ET/PTDays before the premiere of their highly anticipated new E! series, Seacrest is sitting down with the bad boys of pop, and no topic is off limits. Discussing their music, rock star lifestyles and their much-buzzed-about personal lives, The Wanted open up to Seacrest in this new one-hour special.
Bigger, Badder Celebrity Feuds — Tuesday, May 28 at 10:00 PMThe Hatfields and McCoys had nothing on some of Hollywood’s biggest and most explosive feuds, and this one-hour special pulls out all the stops to reveal the gritty details of what went down between Chris Brown and Frank Ocean, Halle Berry’s ex and her current squeeze, Kelsey and Camille, and many, many more. From Comcast Entertainment Studios.
E! Special: Brooke Burke — June 2013Giuliana Rancic is sitting down with the sexy actress and TV personality who has helped make Dancing With the Stars one of today’s biggest television sensations. Opening up about her career, family and personal life, Burke shares her ups, downs and everything in between with Giuliana from her home in Los Angeles.
Secret Societies of Hollywood — Late Summer 2013Beyond the red carpet and behind the security gates lies a forbidden Hollywood that only the rich and famous know about …until now. Secret Societies of Hollywood is a two-hour documentary that will expose the cults, cabals and underground clubs that exist in today’s entertainment industry. From Prometheus Entertainment.
50 Hours with 50 Cent — Fall 2013What is it like to be 50 Cent? One lucky super fan gets to find out. This special captures 50 hours with 50 Cent as one of his biggest fans gets to spend exactly that amount of time with him. Viewers will experience over two full days with this iconic rapper, entrepreneur and businessman as he enters global promotional mode leading up to the release of his newest album.
Inner Circle — Fall 2013A new experiment in storytelling from Executive Producer Ashley Tisdale, these specials will feature celebrities picking a member of their inner circle (a trusted friend, family member or close confidant) to tell their real story and to ask the questions. More conversation than interview, it’s an emotionally charged journey where the celebrities let their guards down, open up and have fun with someone from their “inner circle.” From Blondie Girl Productions and Relativity Television.
NEW UNSCRIPTED PROJECTS IN DEVELOPMENT (working titles):
Young SonomaThis series chronicles the personal and professional lives of premier families at the top of their game in world renowned wine country, Sonoma Valley. Featuring Envolve Winery’s Ben Flajnik (“The Bachelor”), Mike and Kate Benziger, Danny and Collette Fay, and B.R. Cohn Winery’s Vallerie and Tasha Cohn, the series goes inside the day-to-day drama that comes from living in a small town, working with friends and family, as well as being local and national celebrities. From Mandt Bros Productions.
Queens Are WildDocu-soap that goes inside the high-stakes world of gambling and follows four of the top female poker players as they live together, travel the world and compete to win millions. From Tollin Productions, Inc.
Palazzo RiggiThrough the eyes of the outrageous family who lives there and the staff that run it, this new docusoap takes viewers inside a unique, luxurious world filled with eccentric personalities and gives viewers a glimpse into a jaw dropping, elaborate 24,000-square-foot family estate in upstate New York that boasts an authentic English pub, Balinese wellness spa and perfectly heated lawn that is designed to keep the paws of the family’s 35 dogs warm year-round. From AEP Media and Machete.
FlashThis self-contained competition elimination series pits up-and-coming photographers against one another. In each episode, the photographers are given a real world challenge with real clients from the world of pop culture, who expect an amazing photo to sell their brand, talent or idea. Each week the winning photographer will get the exposure that could help launch their career. From Super Delicious.
Sex &amp; Real EstateSet in Miami, this new docusoap follows the personal and professional lives of a group of hot, successful real estate agents at the top of their game as they juggle a world where business always mixes with pleasure. From FremantleMedia North America and Purveyors of Pop.
The Soup InvestigatesThe Soup Investigates is a new spin-off series of E!’s popular comedy franchise The Soup that will answer all the questions that pop culture fans never thought to ask, and then some. How DOES that rose get from the grower’s field to The Bachelor‘s hand just in time for the all important rose ceremony? What is life like inside the fascinating world of the Mother Duckers, the families who make their living creating duck callers who WEREN’T cast inDuck Dynasty? Host Joel McHale and our investigative reporters will be working around the clock to get to the truth, or at least a very plausible facsimile thereof.
NEW TOPICAL / COMEDY PROJECTS IN DEVELOPMENT (working titles):
James Davis ShowSketch comedy show parodying a wide range of pop culture subjects and personalities starring actor/comic/writer, James Davis. From Funny or Die Media, Inc.
White People Can’t DanceFrom Executive Producer Jack Osbourne and Vin Di Bona, this tongue-in-cheek format show features a team of experts who analyze some of the more outrageous stereotypes perpetuated by pop culture. Each episode our team will put multiple stereotypes to the test to determine which are fact and which are fiction. From FishBowl Worldwide Media and Schweet Entertainment.
Secrets &amp; LiesSecrets &amp; Lies is the game show, based on the classic parlor game three truths and a lie, that tests pop culture fans’ knowledge of their favorite celebrities while revealing shocking secrets about the stars we THINK we know and love. From Shine America’s format label Ardaban.
NEW SCRIPTED PROJECTS IN DEVELOPMENT (working titles):
Laurel CanyonIn this drama from executive producers Josh Schwartz (The O.C., Gossip Girl, Chuck) and Stephanie Savage (The O.C., Gossip Girl, Carrie Diaries) and executive producer/writer Karen Croner (Admission, One True Thing), a young woman returns to her dysfunctional, extended family in Laurel Canyon with her son after hearing her rock-star legend father has passed away. Based on Croner’s experience of growing up in the Hollywood Hills, the project is from Schwartz and Savage’s Fake Empire in association with Warner Horizon Television. Fake Empire head of television Len Goldstein (The Carrie Diaries) also serves as executive producer.
The Stand-InA darkly psychological re-telling of The Prince &amp; the Pauper set behind the scenes of one of Hollywood’s most famous actresses, who, tired of the spotlight, runs away in search of a normal life. Desperate, her family secretly hires a look-a-like to step into the star’s glamorous world and high profile career — only to have the doppelganger slowly lose herself in the process of becoming someone else. From Executive Producers Ryan Seacrest, Nina Wass and Adam Sher, Ryan Seacrest Productions, Universal Cable Productions and writer Craig Chester.
SongbyrdFrom writer Krista Vernoff (Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, Shameless), a young, prolific songwriter of some of the best love songs struggles to find love in her personal life after her inspiration is revealed to be a lie. Featuring the songs and experiences of Grammy winner Diane Warren, who Executive Produces with Craig Zadan &amp; Neil Meron (The 2013 Academy Awards,Chicago, Smash) and Vernoff. From Universal Television and Universal Cable Productions.
ExpectationsFrom writer Ron Bass (Oscar winning writer of Rain Man, Sleeping with the Enemy), inspired by the classic Dickens work, a soap about a morally corrupt family in the diamond business set in New York City. Executive produced by Oscar winner Dan Jinks (American Beauty, Milk). From CBS Television Studios.
The ShorelineThe golden child of a small coastal town in South Carolina returns home to see that a major Hollywood prime time soap, The Shore Line Yacht Club, is the biggest employer in town. An enormous class divide separates the cast and producers from the townspeople, yet their lives are now continuously and irrevocably intertwined — for better or for worse. From writer Carolyn Ingber and executive produced by Becky Hartman Edwards (Switched at Birth, Parenthood). From Fox Television Studios.
Dirty/PrettyFrom Keith Eisner (The Good Wife, Law &amp; Order), Jason Markarian and John Mirabella, a dark comedy centering on a blue collar guy from south Boston who gets scouted to be a model in Miami. Life gets turned upside down when his two best friends join him and see his new life as a way to expand their criminal activities. Gale Anne Hurd/Valhalla Entertainment will act as Executive Producer. From Universal Cable Productions.
Fortunate SonFramed for a drug deal by a friend from his hard-partying days, society golden boy Michael Baron becomes a criminal informant and is at the mercy of the police. He bounces between his privileged west side of Los Angeles existence and the case he is forced to work in the slums. But his dark past gives Michael some leverage over his fate, and he makes a dangerous deal that could clear his name. Or get him killed. From writer and Co-Executive Producer Joey Falco and Executive Producers Kevin Spacey, Michael DeLuca and Dana Brunetti. From Universal Cable Productions.
The RoyalsPart fairy tale, part cautionary tale, this contemporary family ensemble is steeped in all of the regal opulence of the British Monarchy and framed by Shakespeare’s Hamlet. It’s a tale of men and women corrupted by power, wealth and desire while looking at the nature of celebrity from a Royals’ point of view. Executive produced and written by Mark Schwahn (One Tree Hill) and executive produced by Brian Robbins and Joe Davola (One Tree Hill, Smallville). From Lionsgate
Follow Michael Arbeiter on Twitter @MichaelArbeiter
More:Comedy Central Won't Renew 'Futurama' For Further Seasons'What Would Ryan Lochte Do?' Here's a List.Fox Renews 'Glee' for Seasons 5 and 6
From Our PartnersJessica Alba Bikinis in St. Barts (Celebuzz)Pics of The Rock Making Things Look Small (Vulture)

The Amazing Spider-Man would prefer if you didn't call it the fourth Spider-Man movie. See this ain't the Spider-Man your older brother knew from ten years ago — it's a reboot. The latest adventure to feature the comic book webslinger throws three movies worth of established mythology straight out the window swapping the original cast with an ensemble of fresh faces and resetting the franchise with a spiffy new origin story. "New" in the loosest sense of the word — the highlights of ASM mainly a sleek new design and spunky reinterpretation of Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) and gal pal Gwen Stacey (Emma Stone) are weighed down by overpowering sense of familiarity. Nearly a beat for beat replica of the 2002 original with some irksome twists of mystery thrown in Amazing Spider-Man fails to evolve its hero or his quarrels. The film has a great sense of cinematic power but little responsibility in making it interesting.
We're first introduced to Peter Parker as a young boy watching as his parents rush out of the house in response to a hidden danger. Mr. and Mrs. Parker leave their son in the care of his Aunt May (Sally Fields) and Uncle Ben (Martin Sheen) who raise him into Andrew Garfield's geeky cool spin on the character. Parker's a science whiz but faces the challenges of every day life — passing classes talking to girls the occasional jock with aggression issues — but all of life's woes are put on hold when the teen discovers a new clue in the mystery behind his parents' disappearance. The discovery of his dad's old briefcase and notes leads Peter to Dr. Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans) a scientist working for mega-conglomerate Oscorp and his Dad's old partner. When they cross paths Connors instantly takes a liking to the wunderkind and loops him into the work he started with his father: replicating the regeneration abilities of lizards in amputee humans (Connors is driven to reform his own missing arm). But when Parker wanders into Oscorp's room full of spiders (a sloppily explained this-needs-to-be-here-for-this-to-happen device) he receives his legendary spider bite that transforms him into the hero we know.
Director Marc Webb (500 Days of Summer) desperately wants Amazing Spider-Man to work as a high school relationship movie but with the burden of massive amounts of plot and mythology to introduce the movie sags under the sheer volume of stuff. Stone turns Parker's object of affection Gwen Stacey into a three-dimensional character. Whenever they happen upon each other an awkward exchange in the hallway a flirtatious back-and-forth in the Oscorp lab (where Stacey is head…intern) or when the two finally begin a romantic relationship the two stars shine. They're vivid characters chopped to bits in the editing room diluted by boring franchise-building plot threads and routine action sequences. Seriously Amazing Spider-Man another mad scientist villain who uses himself as a test subject only to become a monster? And another bridge rescue scene? Amazing Spider-Man desperately wants to disconnect from the original trilogy but it's trapped in an inescapable shadow and does nothing radical to shake things up. Instead it settles for the same old same old while preparing for inevitable sequels instead of investing in its dynamic duo.
There's a sweet spot where the film really hits his stride. After discovering his spider-abilities Peter hits the streets for the first time. He's superhuman but still a headstrong teen full of obnoxious quips and close calls with shiv-wielding thugs. The action is slick small and playful Webb showing us something new by melding his indie sensibilities with big scale action. If only it lasted — the introduction of Ifans reptilian half The Lizard implodes Amazing Spider-Man into incomprehensible blockbuster chaos. A gargantuan beast wreaking havoc around New York City promises King Kong-like escapades for the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man but the lizard man has other plans: to rule the world! Or something. Whatever it takes to get Lizard and Spider-Man fighting on the top of a skyscraper over a doomsday machine — logic be damned.
Amazing Spider-Man peppers its banal foundation with great talent from Denis Leary as Gwen's wickedly funny dad and the police captain hunting down Spider-Man to Fields and Sheen as two loving adults in Peter's life to Garfield and Stone whose chemistry demands a follow-up for the sake of seeing them reunited. But it's all at the cost of putting on the most expensive recreation of all time with new demands imposed by the success Marvel's other properties (except that franchise teasing worked). Amazing Spider-Man introduces too many ideas that go nowhere undermining the actual threat at hand. No one wants to be unfulfilled but that's the overriding difference between the original movie and the update. You need to pay for the sequel to know what the heck is going on in this one.
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S4:E14 “I thought it was so weird when that guy came out, who was a girl, who looked like me!” – Sonja
So to cheer herself up because she doesn’t have $7 million to give her ex-husband to make him stop hassling her, Sonja decided to throw herself a burlesque party. But since she’s not creative enough to take all the Soviet hats that one of the James Bond video games inspired her to purchase and sew them together for a costume, she went to Patricia Fields’ store with Ramona and Ramona’s daughter, Avery. While Sonja pawing around the lopsided bows and the tutus and the dildos that doubled as lipsticks, a man who looked like a woman came over to her and gave her a ten minute spiel about false eyelashes and how they bring your eyes out, and how much better of a way it is to attract attention to yourself as opposed to wearing a hat that makes you look like you’re headed to the racetrack to face off against Mario and his competitive (but perpetual loser) brother, Luigi. Anyway, Sonja was completely confused as to whether or not the man was a man or whether or not it was just a woman who looked like a man, and so she made all these jokes about it as she looked at assless chaps. She also tried really hard to convince Avery to come to her party, but Avery just stood off to the side of the store in her Polo vest and Polo cable knit sweater and gray leggings and thought about how the “other plans” she had for that night consisted of playing pool with her pimpled guy friends and cutting her tongue on beer cans.
“That is so weird to me. You took French for 12 years and now you take a Spanish filmmaking course.” – Jill
Jill took a train to go see her daughter at college, and the first thing she did when her daughter met her at the station was start talking about what she’s been eating. Ali has always had trouble with her weight, and Jill has even sent her to numerous retreats and cleansing spas to try and help her get a handle on…her situation. Ali’s not even particularly overweight or unattractive, and so it must be hard for her to always have her mother criticizing what she eats. Anyway, Ali told Jill that she’d started eating chicken again, but that she was still a vegetarian. Jill tried to convince Ali that vegetarians don’t eat chicken, but Ali said that it was okay because she still didn’t eat fish. Whatever, Ali. I guess there’s no point in trying once you’re already situated in the highly educational place of BRONXVILLE. (I just Googled “colleges in Bronxville” and two colleges came up: Concordia College and Sarah Lawrence. Lets assume that because Ali’s Facebook profile picture probably has her eating a chicken wing with her Tiffany rings all covered in sauce (as a means of being ironic, because she’s rich, obviously) while her “about me” section says she’s a vegetarian, we’ll assume she’s at Concordia College). So Ali and Jill then went to lunch, where Jill then critiqued Ali’s classes. The main one she took issue with was a Spanish filmmaking one, and Jill couldn’t understand why Ali would take a class about Spain when she’d been speaking French for 12 years. Then Ali admitted that she was taking a sex class called “Sex is Not a Natural Act,” and told her mom that her dream job would be to be a photographer who writes a column about sex for a magazine. Jill graciously said she just wanted Ali to be happy, and then the two of them went shopping where Jill reminded Ali that she looks better in clothes that have a boxy fit. MOTHERS, DON’T EVER CHANGE YOUR PASSIVE AGGRESSION. IT’S NOT JUST FOR ELTON JOHN, YOU KNOW.
“I’ve determined that I’m home alone, all the time.” – Avery
After school, Avery met her mother Ramona at some restaurant for some kind of meal I guess, and as soon as Avery sat down and told her mom about how many tests she was going to have the next week, Ramona said she was going to have a crazy next week too and asked if Avery would mind if she made a few phone calls to try and get ahead on everything. Avery said she didn’t mind, and then she pointed out how she felt like she’s always home alone. And then she kept going about how frustrating it was when her parents don’t text her where they are or when they are coming home, and to me, this is a valid complaint. A kid should know when they’re parents are coming home so they can take the roaches from the joints they’ve been smoking that are lying around everywhere and dispose of them in a compactor room that’s on a different floor in the building and give the woman who has cancer her third strike with the co-op board. It’s true though. Kids should know when they’re parents are going to be home because they need to have enough time to make it look like they haven’t been doing the bad thing they’ve been doing. But then, Avery read Ramona the paper she had written about how she was her role model and even though Ramona cried, she was disappointed Avery had written how old she was.
“You sound cool.” – Music Producer
LuAnn went back to the studio where she recorded the cult classic, “Money Can’t Buy You Class,” to meet with her music producer about her newest song, “Chic, C’est La Vie.” As the newest cut was about to be played, Jill walked in and then after it was over, she told LuAnn that if she wanted it to be more clubby she had to change it so that it would be an 8 minute song. The music producer then interjected and said that the current cut was shorter because it was really the radio version and then Jill and LuAnn had a weird kind of staring thing. The producer broke the tension by saying LuAnn should make a music video to go along with the song. This got Jill very excited because she said she could introduce LuAnn to her jeweler, Jacob, and he could bring all the diamonds that they would need for the video. LuAnn was talked into it only because Jill assured her he wasn’t in trouble with the law anymore.
style="font-weight: bold;">“I don’t know why Simon still wants to talk to me.” – Jill
At Sonja’s burlesque party, Simon kept following Jill around and trying to corner her so he could talk to her about how her husband accused him of participating on a hate blog about her. Eventually, Jill and her husband sat down with Simon because Jill realized she didn’t want to be the reason the entire group was uncomfortable (as if the one throwing parties after she’s declared bankruptcy needs help fucking up the dynamic). Then Simon started to apologize without actually apologizing or telling Jill what he was apologizing for – he just said there was no point in apologizing (again, for maybe or maybe no participating on a hate blog that targeted Jill) and that it was better to just stop the behavior entirely. Jill decided to accept Simon’s apology even though it was unclear when she became aware of why he was apologizing, and then told the cameras that she only did it because she really wanted to show everyone how good of a character she is. But then the party really got started, and a Burlesque dancer came out and took off all her clothes quite elegantly and made all the women who came in booty shorts and had Swarovski crystals in the corners of their eyes look like fools. Ramona’s husband, Mario, was quite taken when the Burlesque dancer took her top off and revealed that she had pasties covering her nipples. Then it was time for Sonja’s act of some kind of chair dance that had to do with the black swan and the white swan, but it was mostly an excuse for Sonja to call out all her friends of being jealous of her while shaking her boobs and subtly referencing her bankruptcy. And don’t you just love it when someone tries to make you feel bad for not having something that you don’t even want?!

The average actor earns peanuts compared to what the following group of Hollywood hot shots make, though their bloated salaries are not just handouts. Each and every person on the list below got where they are because of dedication to and love of their craft. Sure, luck plays an integral part, but without the drive to succeed they’d all be yesterdays news instead of next years busiest entertainers. Read on to see who you’ll be seeing a lot of in 2011.
*Note: This list is comprehensive, but not necessarily "complete" as there are many working actors in the business who have just as many, if not more, films in production. The individuals were selected because of their status in current pop-culture and the size of the films in which they appear. That is why someone like Ray Wise, who has 10 films in various stages of production, was excluded while others with less were included.*
Seth Rogen
Had I made this list last year, or the year before that, Rogen probably would’ve found himself on it. Since becoming a household name in 2007 with Knocked Up and Superbad (among others), the funny man has had more work than he knows what to do with. He starts 2011 with the eagerly awaited release of his 3D superhero flick The Green Hornet, but his cancer dramedy Live With It could hit the festival circuit around the same time. March will see his long-gestating collaboration with Simon Pegg/Nick Frost Paul hit theaters (in which he voices an adorable alien) followed by the May release of Kung Fu Panda 2. Somewhere in the middle of that will be another dramedy, Take This Waltz, in which he co-stars with Sarah Silverman and Michelle Williams. Add that up and Rogen’s got a very lucrative year ahead of him.
Emma Stone
Stone is poised to become the starlet of tomorrow with a leading role in Sony’s new Spider Man film, but that’s a ways off. Next year will see her build momentum towards that coming blockbuster with four releases, including a role in Relativity Media’s massive untitled ensemble comedy (which may now be titled Movie 43) and a reunion with her Easy A director Will Gluck in the Mila Kunis/Justin Timberlake rom-com Friends With Benefits. However, what I’m looking forward to most is The Help, an adaptation of Kathryn Stockett’s beloved novel in which she plays a leading role and Crazy, Stupid, Love, the new dramedy from I Love You Phillip Morris directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa in which she plays daughter to Steve Carell. There’s enough quality here to ensure that Stone becomes a major player in her own right in the new decade and I can’t wait to see what she does with all that star power in the coming years.
Steven Spielberg
The king of all media is back in full force next year, bringing no less than seven major motion pictures to global audiences in addition to one eagerly awaited new network TV show (Terra Nova – due May 2011). First up is the D.J. Caruso-helmed sci-fi actioner I Am Number Four followed by J.J. Abrams’ homage to the famed filmmaker’s early work with Super 8 (Spielberg serves as executive producer on both). The huge summer season continues with Transformers: Dark of the Moon and the very buzzy Cowboys &amp; Aliens before he unveils the Shawn Levy-directed robot boxing drama Real Steel. Then, around Christmastime, we’ll get a double dose of his directorial efforts with the WWI epic War Horse and the motion captured franchise starter The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn. That is the mark of a true mogul – releasing a pair of big films just days apart. Small potatoes for Mr. Spielberg, of course.
Johnny Depp
Captain Jack attacks the world of entertainment on all fronts next year as actor, producer and director. He’ll be seen in two films, including the long-delayed The Rum Diary and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and heard in a third – Gore Verbinski’s animated Rango. He serves as producer on Martin Scorsese’s 3D live action Hugo Cabret and a foreign film called Cool Water (which may or may not end up shooting early next year). Additionally, he should finally release his untitled Keith Richards documentary, which has been in post-production for a long time now. It’s one of the most diverse schedules that anyone in the business can boast next year and I’m very excited to see how it all turns out for EW’s most recent Entertainer of the Decade.
Daniel Craig
Like Ms. Stone’s upcoming slate of films, Craig’s is comprised of higher quality than quantity. After a lengthy absence from the silver screen, the British bad ass releases four big movies from four big directors. He starts his domination of the second half of 2011 with Jon Favreau’s Cowboys and Aliens and segues into Jim Sheridan’s new thriller Dream House. After that, he’ll release back to back December blockbusters with the fore mentioned Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn and the mega-hyped English language adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. All together, Craig is looking at an easy billion-dollar year before he begins work on his third Bond film, due in 2012.
Ryan Kavanaugh
As I was compiling this list I realized that I wasn’t showing enough love to the producers that make filmmaking possible. There are hundreds of financiers and producers out there making movies, but none is quite as prolific today (and tomorrow) as Ryan Kavanaugh. The CEO of Relativity Media puts out a number of titles next year, some of which I’ve already mentioned (including that huge ensemble comedy, Cowboys and Aliens and Rogen’s Live With It). Additionally, he releases Neil Burger’s Limitless (formerly titled The Dark Fields), the James Cameron-produced Sanctum, Steven Soderbergh’s Haywire and Tarsem Singh’s Immortals. He’ll also be active in the realm of production as his company gears up for principle photography on The Town That Dreaded Sundown and The Crow remake. Like most big companies, Relativity could easily acquire a number of films for distribution throughout the year, which would just add to its already stellar slate in 2011.
Channing Tatum
The “It” Boy of the new decade is ready to take Hollywood by storm (again) next year. He’ll first appear in Ron Howard’s relationship comedy The Dilemma on January 14th before hitting Sundance in his third collaboration with director Dito Montiel with Son of No One. In February, his long delayed swords-and-sandals actioner The Eagle opens, while April will see Haywire finally blast its way into theaters. Tatum will only take very short breaks to promote these films as he’ll be working on a variety of projects including the ensemble drama Ten Year, the period espionage thriller Love and Honor and Sony’s 21 Jump Street reboot, ensuring that his It Boy status will remain intact for many years to come.
David Koechner
Here’s a guy that you wouldn’t think would end up on a list like this, but Koechner’s comedic abilities have made him a must have for productions big and small. The major studio’s called upon him for films like Paul, Final Destination 5 and This Means War (all set to bow in 2011) in addition to indies like Wish Wizard, Wedding Day and Fully Loaded, in which he apparently plays himself. It’s a big moment for the comedian, so I hope he and his fans drink it in.
Ron Perlman
The Sons Of Anarchy star gets his big-screen due next year with a whopping six (possibly seven) releases. He invades the first frame of 2011 with Season of the Witch and will play father to the Barbarian in Lionsgate’s Conan reboot in August. A number of other independent and studio releases will drop throughout the year as well, including Nicolas Winding Refn’s Drive, the dramatic thriller Crave and a film called Frankie Goes Boom that will reunite him with his SoA co-star Charlie Hunnam (Chris Noth, Lizzy Caplan and Whitney Cummings co-star). Perlman also joins Universal’s Mummy/Scorpion King franchise with the direct to DVD Scorpion King: Rise of the Dead. If it begins production on time, he could also release the action thriller The Riot, which presents a practical take on the survival horror genre. Factor in the tentative summer start of his old friend Guillermo del Toro’s At the Mountains of Madness (in which he plays Larson) and Perlman, at 60, is busier than ever.
Nicolas Cage
In between financial and psychological meltdowns Nicolas Cage manages to get some work done. The Oscar winning A-lister will appear in a quartet of films next year, starting with Season of the Witch and continuing on with Roger Donaldson’s The Hungry Rabbit Jumps, Patrick Lussier’s Drive Angry 3D and Joel Schumacher’s Trespass. In addition, he produced the family comedy A Thousand Words, which was developed as a starring vehicle but was passed off to Eddie Murphy shortly before production began in 2008. He’ll continue to shoot his Ghost Rider sequel through the first quarter of 2011 and may end up filming a third National Treasure at some point as well.
Michael Fassbender
He’s made a name for himself in films like 300 and Inglourious Basterds but Fassbender has yet to really breakout. Next year, he should do just that with four films locked and a handful of others gearing up for production. First is Cary Fukunaga’s adaptation of Charlotte Bronte’s literary staple Jane Eyre followed soon after by Steven Soderbergh’s Haywire. On June 3rd, he joins the X-Men franchise as a young Erik Lensherr/Magneto in X-Men: First Class, which could turn into a career-within-a-career in itself. Additionally, David Cronenberg’s highly anticipated A Dangerous Method should hit the festival circuit at some point in 2011, possibly leading to awards buzz. If you don’t think that is enough of a schedule to balance, try to figure out when/how he’ll shoot two new dramas (Brendan Gleeson’s At Swim-Two-Birds and Steve McQueen’s Shame) amidst all that promotional work? Staggering, isn’t it.

S5: E3 Nerds. Liz Lemon can’t get no…isn’t able to…okay people are mean to her. The writers or “douche-Bs” have been putting false name plaques on her door; things like F. Kruger (Freddy to his friends), Lez Lemon, Fart Barfunkel, and Paul Simon. Jack tells her to deal with it, he’s off to Washington to help convince Congress to allow vertical integration – or evil corporations owning all of the pieces of a process, like manufacturing junk food and then providing diarrhea medicine for it…but wait does that mean the junk food makes you sick on purpose? (Gasp.) Perhaps, Miss Lemon, perhaps. It was a pretty lackluster cold open, but my staunch regard for Tina Fey will let it slide.
Kenneth is back! (But not really. Sorry for the psych-out, I couldn’t resist.) Jenna catches him caressing the NBC Universal sign and he tells her that he can’t get rehired because the NBC Page program has become too competitive. Cut to a young guy stationed at an electric keyboard singing a wannabe NBC-centric version of “We Didn’t Start the Fire” naming all their worst shows and throwing in a line touting “Outsourced is the new Friends.” (Way to take a jab at show that shares your Thursday night prime time block on your own channel. Bravo, writers - that show is awful.) Kenneth worries that the program has lost its dignity, but Jenna’s already got stars (well, okay, bigger stars) in her eyes and she vows to coach Kenneth in the ways of pageantry so he can get his job back.
Jack has reached Washington and is at the hearing with a committee led by Rob Reiner, who’s ditched “Hollyweird” to be a congressman. (Really Rob? Hollyweird? How old are you?) Jack pulls a move that he seems to have ripped right from Glenn Beck himself, connecting vertical integration (V.I.) to a simple American farmer who takes care of all the steps in the farming process. He appeals to the committee with a hyperbolic image of cutting off the American farmer’s head – yup, Beck’s all over that. Of course, the committee and its head , the self-professed “acclaimed director of When Harry Met Sally,” are spooked and allow V.I. to continue until Rep. Regina Bookman (Queen Latifah) tells Jack that she won’t allow it because NBC is racist. TV’s really going for all the big issues this week, apparently.
Kenneth’s working his darnedest to try and prove his showmanship to Jenna – he even wrote a song: “Ohhhhh, everyone born before Jesus is in Hell…” Yeah, that’ll get him hired. Jenna is determined to break him down and build him back up to be a great performer (but not before making another reference to the fact that she had sex with Mickey Rourke – seriously, how does he get women to sleep with him?!).
Back in congress, Bookman accuses NBC of being as “diverse as a Wilco concert.” That’s a reference you can’t really argue with. Jack tries to use Sunday Night Football (there are black football players!) and Anthony Anderson being on Law and Order as a defense – but Jonathan informs him that they cancelled Law and Order. “Why would they do that?!” Bookman isn’t buying it and tells him if NBC doesn’t make an effort to increase diversity, V.I. will not happen. Well this is going to be good.
Jack brings in DotCom and Tracy to ask them to use Tracy’s production company “Dotcom Productions” (“It’s Tracy spelled backwards!”) to create programming that is more diverse. Lemon fields Jack’s complaints about Bookman using the hearings as a soapbox, saying she “grandstanded” him before he could give his “Diversity means hope” speech. Plus, he was trying to remember the name of the black kid on Community to prove NBC is diverse. Liz helps him out, “Dannal Glover.” (In case you didn’t know his name is actually Donald and he used to write for 30 Rock. It’s a shout-out!) Liz needs to make TGS more diverse or figure out how to make it look that way. Despite Lutz’s claim to be an Inuit, Jack and Liz decide to promote Toofer to co-head writer because he’s black and he’ll be able to replace Liz when she “dies at her desk.” Hey, they don’t call her Lemon because of her sunny disposition folks.
Tracy and DotCom are hard at work creating new content to help NBC be more diverse. Tracy says he likes cop shows and that he’s excited for Law and Order to come back. (“Canceled? BUT WHY?”) To be honest, I don’t understand why it was canceled either, guys. Finally, DotCom shares his pilot idea: a show about a family in Detroit in the 70s with a Motown soundtrack. Grizz and Tracy want something more…a talking dog! And we’re back to square one.
Kenneth finally goes to his interview looking like a love child of Brigitte Neilsen and a Radio City Rockette and performs his song and dance while Jenna watches from the office door like a nervous stage mom. When Kenneth gets rejected despite that “stellar” performance Jenna reaches a boiling point. With an unstoppable stream of wordvomit, Jenna bursts into a speech calling Kenneth a brat before calling him “Jenna” and slipping into an Appalachian accent (and we find out that Jenna was born in a parking lot - yikes). Yup, she’s become her mother. To make up for it, Jenna promises to get Kenneth’s job back.
Liz gets back to the writers’ room where Toofer has given himself a “Head Writer” plaque on his door, while Liz’s says “El Tejon” or “badger” in Spanish. Nerds. Liz complains to Pete and he spills the beans about Toofer’s TV interview, and before even asking about it, Liz declares that she’s going to the interview too. This is not going to be good. The TV show, called Right On, is about celebrating prominent African Americans in the community and they want to honor Toofer for being a head writer at a TV show. Liz attempts to participate adding in that, “TV is more of a boys club, than a white club.” Blerg. S that D, Liz Lemon, shut it down. When they say they are honoring Toofer for all his hard work (for one whole day as head writer), she can’t take it anymore and gets thrown off-set. Oh, Lemon.
After meeting with a few Wall Street fat cats and taking Rob Reiner on a Sex and the City Tour, Bookman makes her way to NBC. Jack tells his assistant to feign an Indian accent to make the office seem diverse (another dig at Outsourced, perhaps?) and Bookman arrives at Studio 6. Of course as soon as she gets there, everything goes wrong. Lutz yells at Tracy for eating “our food” and though he means the writers’ food, Tracy runs after him screaming, “WHITE DEVIL!” Uh…that can’t be good. Jack takes Bookman in the opposite direction just as the janitor removes the paper recycling bin outside of the bathrooms, leaving just the signs delineating “colored” and “white” (paper), but because they’re next to the bathrooms it looks like segregation. But it doesn’t stop there. The HR guy approaches Jack and says he made him hire Kenneth instead of filling the diversity quota with a Native American. Crap. Just then, Jack sees Toofer (who he calls ‘James’ in front of the congresswoman) and opts to give him an impromptu award to remedy all those racial mishaps. Bookman isn’t buying it and asks Toofer how long he’s been head writer; “One day.” She calls out for the real head writer, and finally gives Liz the recognition she deserves, saying she’s the only person at NBC she can respect. As a reward, Bookman gives her an “I Met A Congresswoman” sticker which Liz happily sticks to her sweater like a proud 7 year old (I think the only thing that would have made her happier was if it came with some Cheesy Blasters). Bookman grandstands again, America was built on “Freedom, Troops, America, and Flour! I don’t know where I’m going with this, but together we’ll get there!” Okay, Queen Latifah, you’re not all that bad, that was pretty funny.
Jack pulls Bookman aside and berates her for railroading him. He makes a case for diversity working its way up through the generations – first generation works their fingers to the bone, the third generation goes to improv classes. (Oh, you mean like all of the 30 Rock writers? Teehee.) Bookman gives Jack three months to implement a better diversity program. Whew. (So more shows like Outsourced, right? Making fun of someone’s culture is diversity, right?)
Before they leave us, we get to see the pilot for Tracy’s new Detroit-family-with-talking-dog show. I guess Rob Reiner had some fun voicing the rascally canine (yes, we all knew it was you, old man), but it was a pretty lackluster closing for a show that has so much potential for general awesomeness.

In addition to mistaking her Coke cup for Steven Tyler's on American Idol, Jennifer Lopez has another television responsibility coming her way. Entertainment Weekly is reporting she's producing an hour-long dramedy about Latina nannies for ABC, that will "center on three branches of an extended Los Angeles family -- as told through the eyes of their three Latina nannies." It doesn't have a title yet, but Friends and Big Love writer, Alexa Jung, and producer Simon Fields are assisting Lopez in her growing monopoly over everything.
If this sounds like a show you're already watching, it's because ABC already has a Milky Way galaxy of other shows just like it -- Modern Family, No Ordinary Family, Brothers &amp; Sisters, The Middle...they're all about families and what happens when sisters act like brothers and it gets weird. But Lopez seems to have noticed all these shows ask us to give our attention to the families themselves, rather than the Latina nannies who make everything run smoothly and relatively squabble-free, including the ones who are willing to go buy a little boy a new dog after the first one's bladder explodes because they didn't care enough to take him for a walk.
I'm better at spotting an underfed puppy than I am at spotting a show that's going to fail, but I will ask what does Lopez have against having free time? Truly -- when she wasn't shooting a movie or producing a TV show, she married Marc Anthony and had twins! This show sounds like it could be funny, but it would only be good if it was really funny...like the writers should be so disillusioned from writing so much they should forget their own birthdays and think every Lady Gaga song sounds different. (I really do love the Gags.) But we don't have to come up with a decision if this will sink or float just yet -- we've got her idol influence to busy ourselves with first...and that battleship already has a red peg in it.
Source: EW

Universal Pictures is having a tough year. In fact, it's been a tough couple of years for the studio. The only profitable films it has released in 2010 are Get Him To The Greek and...wait for it...Leap Year. Losses abound, the distribution executives over at the recently remodeled company are racing to adjust their release schedule for the remainder of 2010 and the first half of 2011 to maximize profits. Courtesy of The Wrap, we've got the low down on when a handful of Universal's upcoming products will officially bow.
The biggest change is the George Nolfi-directed sci-fi romantic drama The Adjustment Bureau, starring Matt Damon as a rising politician who's affair with a stunning ballerina is thwarted by a shady organization. Based on the riveting short story by the inimitable Philip K. Dick, the film co-stars Emily Blunt, John Slattery, Daniel Dae Kim and Anthony Mackie and has been moved from a September 17th 2010 release to March 4th, 2011. Taking it's place is the M. Night Shyamalan-produced The Night Chronicles: Devil.
Next up is Neil Burger's The Dark Fields, which was set for March 18th 2011 but will instead be seen on January 21st 2011. The film centers on a copywriter who discovers a top-secret drug that enhances intellect and other abilities. As his usage begins to change his life, he begins to consider the drug's shadowy origins; meanwhile, a group of killers trail his every move. Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro star.
The dramedy Kids In America (which could be released under the title Young Americans), starring Anna Faris and Topher Grace, moves up from January 28th 2011 to December 3rd 2010, while the James Cameron-produced Sanctum moves up a month from March 4th 2011 to February 4th 2011.
Additionally, the studio has set release dates for a pair of films that previously were not on the slate, including The Strauss Brothers' thriller Skyline (November 12, 2010) and the Seth Rogen sci-fi comedy Paul, directed by Greg Mottola and co-starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost.
Source: The Wrap